What Entertainment and Events Are There at a Formula 1 Race?

The F1 Fan Zone

The F1 Fan Zone is a central hub common to most circuits, offering immersive activities for fans over the course of the race weekend. There are immersive activations, live music performances, food and beverage options, and more. This is always the best spot for fans to purchase merchandise in support of their favorite team or driver.

The most common activations are:

• Pit Stop Challenge
  
  • A fan-favorite activity where you compete to change a wheel on a full-size F1 show car in the fastest time
• Racing Simulators
  
  • Digitally drive the grand prix circuit and compete against other attendees for the fastest laps
  • Many tracks host daily competitions with prizes
• Show Car & Trophy Displays
  
  • Get up close with a modern F1 show car, often featuring current liveries
  • Take a photo with a replica of the FIA F1 World Drivers’ Championship Trophy
• Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences
  
  • Take a selfie with a virtual version of your favorite driver or explore an F1 garage on a virtual pit tour

Access and Proximity to the Teams

Formula 1 is probably the most strict racing series when it comes to allowing fans close to the teams and drivers. Unlike IndyCar or NASCAR where the drivers are fairly accessible to the race goers, Formula 1 weekends tend to keep the fans and drivers separate.

That being said, there are numerous ways for fans to get a glimpse of their favorite drivers and team principals and to find ways to feel close to them over the course of a race weekend. 

• Public Pit Lane Walk
  
  • On Thursday (or sometimes Friday), many circuits open the pit lane to select ticket holders
  • This allows you to walk right outside the team garages, see the cars being built and prepped, and potentially spot the drivers
• Driver Q&A Sessions
  
  • Throughout the weekend, mostF1 drivers appear on the F1 Fan Zone stage for live interviews and Q&A sessions
  • These are often scheduled and highly attended events
  • Keep in mind that this isn’t promised at every single race
• Support Race Paddock Access
  
  • Races like Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy, or Porsche Supercup also take place over the weekend
  • Their paddock areas and viewing points are often more accessible
  • The F1 Academy paddock is frequently open to all general ticket holders
• Post-Race Track Invasion
  
  • After the race ends on Sunday, many circuits open the gates, allowing fans to run onto the track for the official podium ceremony and trophy celebration
  • Some drivers will come up to the fences and wave to fans
  • There are some races that don’t allow this anymore for safety reasons so make sure you are always in compliance with the rules of the specific race you’re at

Entertainment and Events

Formula 1 is renowned for their live music entertainment over the course of the weekend. Fans can expect to hear from a variety of local artists and more famous musicians once the on-track sessions conclude for the day.

Most races will have a post-race concert for fans to attend, and occasionally there will be post-session concerts at the end of the day on the Friday or Saturday of a race weekend. During the day, fans can listen to live DJs and hear live music from other artists in the Fan Zone area.

Formula 1 is also a sport with large brand partnerships and opportunities for local businesses to sell their wares, so keep an eye out for big sponsor activations and unique stalls. 

• Concerts and DJs
  
  • Most grands prix integrate musical performances with headlining artists and DJs
  • The performances almost always take place in the Fan Zone, as well as scattered around the track and of course at a main stage 
• Themed Zones & Lounge Areas
  
  • Circuits often have specialized themed areas (e.g., a "Heineken Terrace," "Beach Zone," or specific partner-branded lounges) that feature live DJs, shaded seating, and giant screens to watch the racing
• Sponsor and Brand Displays
  
  • Beyond the core F1 events, global partners set up activations with art installations, merchandise customization, and interactive challenges that celebrate the sport
  • Local businesses often set up stalls to sell artwork and special racing merchandise

Pop-Ups

Aside from the on-track events, teams, drivers, and sponsors will often set up pop-up events in the city around where the race is held. They are open for a limited time and often have limited availability due to high demand. But, you can often see the drivers or team principals speak and buy unique merch.

Details for pop-ups come last minute, so find our fan zone and entertainment guide for your race to keep up-to-date.